Readers sound off on ID cards, Access-A-Ride and elite high schools

The real risks of using IDNYC

Brooklyn: The NYC ID card that pizza delivery man Pablo Villavicencio tried using was not a valid identification in the first place (“ICE-holes,” June 7). It is not a driver’s license or passport of any kind. He was trying to use this ID to enter an Army base. In these days and times, a military base would be thorough in establishing a person’s identity before allowing them on base. The military police working Fort Hamilton should be commended for performing their job correctly. A reality check for those trying to utilize their NYC ID, which was introduced by the mayor: It may work within NYC, but it is not a valid ID elsewhere or many other cities in the United States. If anything, it may in some instances catch the attention of local or federal authorities. Plus, don’t have an outstanding warrant pending when having a background check run on you, especially when you are illegally here in this country. Joseph V. Comperchio

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Deporter-in-chief Obama

Brooklyn: The noise over the detention of Pablo Villavicencio is deafening. Nowhere do I see it mentioned that the warrant for his arrest was issued in 2010 when Barack Obama was President and Eric Holder attorney general. It’s also not mentioned that the Obama administration deported more people than any other administration in the history of the United States. These facts would not fall into the Democratic narrative. Again, never let the truth get in the way of a good story. Bob Fleming

Strange delivery range

Brooklyn: The pizza joint Pablo Villavicencio worked for is in College Point, Queens. The Ft. Hamilton Brooklyn military base is at least 22 miles away (depending on which GPS you use). Who would order from a place that far away? And perhaps more to the point — what restaurant would agree to deliver that far away? Usually it’s a couple miles max, right? Peter Magnotta

Greatest crime?

Forest Hills: To Voicer Carmine Coluccio: Once we arrest Donald Trump and his corrupt minions, maybe then we should move way down the chain and arrest hardworking family men who are unfortunately undocumented. Until then, Carmine, please go on being outraged, and we will continue to grow America into the future without your lack of empathy and adherence to laws you yourself don’t break. Pietro Allar

Undocumented pluralism

Brooklyn: To Voicers Carmine Coluccio and Rick DePaoli: I suppose you do not think that there are Italian illegal immigrants in this country. Since they are not Mexicans or Central Americans, they never get picked up by ICE and deported. Have a little compassion for these families. Octavio Melendez

Access the right ride

Brooklyn: I sympathize with Voicer Cynthia Allen’s horrific experience with Access-A-Ride. When the reservationist asks if you want a car, refuse. Your requirement should be a vehicle you can enter without fear. Due to my medical history, I am physically unable to enter a regular car. You should advise the reservationists that you must be assigned a vehicle you can safely board. You may look as if you do not have a physical disability, but you need a car you can safely board. I have noticed passengers who look perfectly able to get around without a cane, walker or wheelchair, but still use the service with the approval of the system. Keep complaining, Cynthia. Our voices need to be heard loud and clear. I have noticed some improvement in service but we have a long way to go. Good luck and travel safely. Zelda Multz

The mess on the bus

Linden Hill: Who cleans NYC express buses? Looks like no one! Don’t they have a maintenance crew that should be cleaning all of the city buses, when these buses are not running? They stop running after 11 p.m. and do not start running till 6 a.m. That’s six hours when they can be cleaned. Well, they are not. Or is the crew sleeping all night? Try riding these buses — big health risk! They are in need of a good steam. Rena Cotelidis

Invisible knapsack?

Glendale: To Voicer Annette Johnson: First we are told by scholars like Peggy McIntosh that “white privilege” is providing whites with an “invisible knapsack” full of unearned social goodies. Regarding the matter of so many Asians being in the specialized schools, you’re speculating on some kind of “yellow privilege?” I’ve got it! Why not just ask them where they got their invisible knapsacks? Peter Richards

Keep the test

New Rochelle, N.Y.: Richard Cohen’s “Stuyvesant makes America great” column (June 12) is on the money. The elite high schools are elite based on the abilities of the students. I haven’t heard of a good reason to change things, simply because Mayor de Blasio wants more blacks and Hispanics in these schools. The schools aren’t about wealth or geography, but purely about brains. The kids who passed the test deserve to be there. However, what should be looked into is whether the test is faulty or insufficient to adequately judge which 14-year-olds make the cut. It should also be looked into as to why many non-elite schools are not doing well. Brian Feinblum

From editorial to action

Brooklyn: The Daily News and others deserve praise for calling out serious problems in the commercial waste industry, especially regarding the need to hold bad actors accountable. There’s no denying that steps must be taken to raise standards and increase safety across the industry. That is why I will be introducing legislation in the coming weeks aimed at helping to address safety and oversight issues in the field of commercial waste carting. I look forward to putting forth a proposal that can, I hope, advance through the Council this year. Councilman Robert E. Cornegy Jr.

Elevator awareness

Brooklyn: Dear Greg Smith: Your June 7 article “No heavy lift-ing” about elevator inspectors certifying lifts they never checked, touched me deeply. In 2006 I had an elevator accident in my workplace, in Midtown Manhattan, that changed my life. The accident left me with injured knees that needed surgery, two herniated cervical disks, and all the disturbing complications that followed. Elevator safety in New York is not taken as seriously as it should be. And people are not aware as they should be. Silvia C. Valentini

Donald is the crudest

Manhattan: Voicer Earl Beal’s comment that Robert De Niro’s behavior was showing contempt for the American people is typical of misguided values that applaud Trump and his contemptible behavior that is ripping America apart. De Niro’s rant is nothing compared to what Trump is doing to this country. Trump trashes Canada and embraces Russia. Trump separates children from their families and views non-criminal immigrants as the enemy. Trump appoints corrupt officials like Scott Pruitt to destroy the environment and enriches oil companies. I could go on, but I think Trump trumps De Niro when it comes to contemptible behavior. Peter Goodridge